Synthesis, X-ray crystal structures, and cation transfer properties of alkyl calixaryl acetates, a new series of molecular receptors

Calix[4]-, [6]-, and [8]-arenes have been converted into a series of alkyl acetates which show significant phase-transfer activity and selectivity towards alkali metal picrates; the X-ray crystal structure of two members of the series, (1b) and (2d), have been determined.